Simon's Seat & Trollers Gill

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Route: Appletreewick, Dales Way, Howgill, Simon's Seat, High Skyreholme, Ridge End, Trollers Gill, Appletreewick Pasture

Date: 13/01/2013
From: Appletreewick

Parking: Street parking in Appletreewick
Start Point: Appletreewick
Region: Yorkshire Dales

Route length: 8 miles (12.8km)
Time taken: 04:42
Average speed: 1.7mph
Ascent: 472m
Descent: 472m

Summits: Simon's Seat (485m)

Our first walk of 2013 was to revisit a place we'd walked to a year or so ago, Troller's Gill. A real gem of a place, like few others in the Yorkshire Dales, and one of those rare features that tend to be hidden away from the masses. The two times we've been now we've had the place to ourselves. The walk we'd planned covered an 8-mile circuit including a climb up onto the popular Barden Moor to visit Simon's Seat, a very Peak District-esqe pile of gritstone, perched atop the moor.

The walk started from Appletreewick, a delightful little village perched on the banks of the River Wharfe. Apparently, a study in 2009 found Appletreewick to be 'Britain's Friendliest Town to Drive Through' which is a bit spurious really as only 200 people live there.

Passing through a campsite, we joined the M1 of the path world, the Dales Way, as it follows the River Wharfe towards the hamlet of Howgill. Being January, it was bitterly cold but one of those perfect clear days you can only get in winter. Perfect walking weather, providing you wrap up of course.

The benign River Wharfe at Appletreewick

The Dales Way hides under the covering of frost. 

Following the Dales Way for a mile, we reached Howgill and left the main path to head into Howgill and start the quite strenuous climb up the side of Barden Fell through the Lower Fell Plantation. Christmas excesses made this climb a bit slower than normal but we eventually reached the top of the winding road and savoured the stunning view into Wharfedale. There was also time to photograph a very placid grouse as it too surveyed the scene up the valley.

Sara marches up the steep plantation road

The view along the River Wharfe and Wharfedale

The Famous Grouse

Leaving the grouse to its daily business, we followed the path to Simon's Seat, the high point of Barden Fell. The rocks provide a commanding view over the Yorkshire Dales and are a very popular spot for walkers and climbers alike. The paths around are suffering from erosion though and are in the process of being renovated to protect the fragile moorland around. After a stop for lunch, watching the weather closing in, we took one last look at the views before descending the steep northern flank of Barden Fell to Dalehead Farm.

Simon's Seat, the high point of Barden Fell

Sara enjoys a rejuvenating cup of tea

View over Barden Moor from Simon's Seat

The OS trig point that marks the summit

Crossing Blands Beck, we passed through High Skyreholme before making our way to Middle Skyreholme and joining the path north towards Parcevall Hall, The Bradford Diocesan Retreat. Following Skyreholme Beck, we passed over an old breached dam. It's said the dam was built to retain the waters of Skyreholme Beck for a local mill, however, being built on limestone, the water found its way underneath instead. Apparently, it was deliberately breached to liberate the beck. Further upstream lies the entrance to the mysterious Troller's Gill.

Crossing Blands Beck

The breached dam on Skyreholme Beck

The entrance of Troller's Gill looms ahead, much like the scene in the Lord of the Rings where Aragorn heads to the mountain to summon the ghosts of Dunharrow. All that was missing was the movie smoke. Legend does, in fact, have it that the gorge is haunted by the Barguest, a terrifying mythical hound though to possibly have been the inspiration for the famous Hound of the Baskervilles. Being off the beaten track, Troller's Gill is an eerie, quiet place where you can let your imagination run wild. Taking a deep breath, we wandered in.

The entrance to the White Mountain aka Troller's Gill

The narrow limestone gorge of Troller's Gill

It was indeed eerie and quiet while we were there

Troller's Gill is nothing more than a limestone gorge and can be impassable if the river is in full spate. Luckily for us, it was bone dry and other than hopping over the larger boulders, the going was fairly easy. Reaching the top, the walls open out into the classic scenery of limestone country, typical of many river valleys in the Yorkshire Dales. We crossed the bridge at the top of the path and climbed out of the valley onto Appletreewick Pasture.

Skyreholme Beck before it disappears into/underneath Troller's Gill

The track crossing Appletreewick Pasture

Following the path down Appletreewick Pasture, the weather eventually deteriorated as it had threatened to do for much of the afternoon. The light quickly faded and a light dusting of snow started to fall. Lucky for us, we were not too far from the sanctuary of the car and a backup brew that had been stored in the boot for just such an occasion.

The weather became a bit grim towards the end

A light sprinkling of snow covered the final mile of the walk

The final descent back to Appletreewick

The wintry weather painted quite a nice picture

A stunning walk with a little bit of everything characteristic of the Yorkshire Dales; open moors, awe-inspiring views, creepy limestone gorges and flowing water aplenty. If you're looking for a walk with interest around every corner then this is the one for you. Troller's Gill is a unique place that every walker should experience at least once and is a startling opposite to the wide-open views and busyness of Simon's Seat.

A wintry Great Calva

Great Calva

Height690m (2,264ft)

Prominence142m (466ft)

RegionNorthern Fells

Climbed1 Time

Great Calva sits in a wonderfully isolated position, rising as a proud sentinel over the vast, heather-clad wilderness of Skiddaw Forest. Hugely distant from the nearest public roads, it is remarkably remote by Lakeland standards. This symmetrical pyramid neatly plugs the northern head of the great trench splitting the Skiddaw and Blencathra massifs, making it feel deeply tied to the empty backcountry that surrounds it.

"Great Calva occupies a splendid position overlooking the broad depression of Skiddaw Forest, with which it seems to be inseparably associated with, more so than even Skiddaw itself. The symmetrical pyramid neatly fills in the head of the valley opening south between the Skiddaw and Blencathra massifs." — Wainwright 1962, Book Five

The mountain occupies a highly unique geological position, aligning perfectly with a massive structural fault line that tears straight through the central core of the Lake District. Because of this direct, unimpeded sightline, the high ridge looks down a spectacular natural corridor. On clear days, walkers can trace a breathtaking view sweeping directly over the full length of Thirlmere and into the jagged profiles of the distant central fells.

Great Calva and its remarkable view all the way to Thirlmere

The high point is marked by a prominent summit cairn rising out of the smooth blankets of high grass and deep mountain heather, with a sturdy stone wind shelter constructed just a few meters to the east. A secondary cairn sits further down the southern ridge line, connected back to the main summit by the skeletal, rusted posts of an ancient boundary fence. It is from this lower vantage point that the view becomes truly spectacular—looking directly down the barrel of the Glenderaterra valley and across the Vale of St John to enjoy an uninterrupted view stretching past Loughrigg to Steel Fell.

Trip Reports

Great Calva, Knott, Great Sca Fell, Meal Fell & Great Cockup17/04/2016

Return to Lake District – Northern Fells

Great Borne (Herdus)

Great Borne rising over Bowness Knott

Great Borne

Height616m (2,021ft)

Prominence113m (371ft)

RegionWestern Fells

Climbed2 Times

"Great Borne is the name of the summit of the fell locally and correctly known as Herdus, an abbreviated version of the former name of Herdhouse. From Ennerdale, it rises as a massive buttress to the High Stile ridge. It is not prominent in views from other directions, however, and is not frequented by walkers." — A. Wainwright

Anchoring the western terminus of the long ridge dividing Ennerdale and Buttermere, Great Borne presents a massive, craggy buttress above Ennerdale Water. While mapmakers apply the name Great Borne to the summit area, locals throughout West Cumbria predominantly refer to the entire fell as Herdus—a shortened form of the historic name Herdhouse.

The name Great Borne is thought to derive from Old French meaning 'Great Boundary', marking the 13th-century border of the Loweswater forest. Alternatively, it may originate from the Old English bourne, referring to a spring-fed stream rising on the high ground.

Great Borne's fantastic view of Buttermere

The fell features twin tops separated by a shallow dip. The slightly higher southern top holds an Ordnance Survey triangulation pillar alongside a substantial stone wind shelter. The lower northern top features a prominent cairn visible for miles, believed to be the ancient boundary marker from which the fell took its title, yielding extensive views across the Loweswater Fells and Buttermere.

Trip Reports

Great Borne & Starling Dodd26/03/2017

A Tour of Ennerdale19/04/2015

Return to Western Fells

Carnedd Dafydd

Carnedd Dafydd standing over Cwm Lloer

Height: 1,044m (3,425ft)

Prominence: 111m (364ft)

Region: Snowdonia - Carneddau

Classifications: HuMP, Hewitt, Nuttall, Welsh 3000

Summit feature: Cairn

Times climbed: 2

Related trip reports:
The Carneddau - 16/02/2019  

The Carneddau - 13/03/2016

A shelter cairn stands on the summit

Carnedd Dafydd (Car-neth Daf-ith - David's Cairn) is the third highest peak in Wales (or the fourth if Crib y Ddysgl on the Snowdon ridge is counted). Carnedd Dafydd is on the main ridge of the Carneddau, and on the border between Gwynedd and Conwy.

The origin of its name, which translates as Dafydd's (or David's) cairn, like that of its neighbouring peak, Carnedd Llewelyn (Llywelyn's cairn), are named after Llywelyn ap Gruffudd, the last independent prince of Wales, and his younger brother, Dafydd ap Gruffudd. Dafydd was captured at Nanhysglain, near Bera, on 21 June 1283; taken to Shrewsbury where he was hanged, drawn and quartered.

Like most of the summits in the southern Carneddau, it has a flat, boulder-strewn summit plateau. Immediately to the north lie the crags of Ysgolion Duon, well-known to climbers.

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High Seat from Armboth Fell

High Seat

Height608m (1,995ft)

Prominence136m (446ft)

RegionCentral Fells

Climbed1 Time

"High Seat is the principal fell on the north section of the central ridge, overtopping all others within a radius of some miles, and is, therefore, an excellent viewpoint." — A. Wainwright

Standing as the highest point along the northern section of the central ridge, High Seat dominates the high ground between Derwentwater and Thirlmere. Holding 136 metres of relative height, it overtops all surrounding terrain within a five-mile radius, serving as an outstanding, commanding vantage point across the Cumbrian hills.

The eastern flanks carry a piece of local history below Threefooted Brandreth: the Litt's Memorial stone above Mere Ghyll. On 9 March 1880, John Litt fell behind while following the Blencathra Foxhounds, and a search party discovered his body on the solitary saddle the following day.

High Seat's summit pillar

The high point is set upon a small rock platform emerging from the surrounding peat, capped by an Ordnance Survey triangulation pillar. Thanks to its central elevation and the absence of immediate higher neighbours, the summit commands a vast, uninterrupted panorama stretching across the entire Lake District.

Trip Reports

Ullscarf & The Central Ridge07/09/2014

Return to Central Fells

Ard Crags rising prominently as seen from the slopes of Catbells

Ard Crags

Height581m (1,906ft)

Prominence116m (381ft)

RegionNorth Western Fells

Climbed2 Times

Tucked beneath the shadows of giant neighbours like Causey Pike and Crag Hill, Ard Crags is a peak that can be easily overlooked by busy fellwalkers. However, when viewed from specific angles within the Rigg Beck pass or the Newlands Valley, it reveals a remarkably sharp, symmetrical pyramidal silhouette that instantly commands attention. Running parallel to the main Coledale ridge is a lower, beautifully quiet spine composed of Knott Rigg and Ard Crags, offering a delightfully narrow and airy walking experience. Ard Crags itself forms the eastern half of this scenic crest.

"There is one point on the path alongside Rigg Beck where the defile ahead is occupied by the shapely pyramid of Ard Crags, its appearance suggesting a complete isolation from other fells." — Wainwright 1957, Book Two

The narrow, heather-carpeted ridge line culminates at a rounded summit dome marked by a modest, compact stone cairn. While the soaring profiles of the higher Crag Hill to Causey Pike ridge sever much of the views looking north and west, the summit compensates by presenting an absolute masterpiece of an aerial perspective, looking directly down over the green patchwork fields of the Newlands Valley below.

The quiet, heather-clad summit of Ard Crags, looking across to the distant profile of Blencathra

Trip Reports

Hindscarth, Robinson, Knott Rigg & Ard Crags18/12/2016

A Newlands Round22/08/2014

Return to Lake District – North Western Fells

Hen Comb and marshy Mosedale

Hen Comb

Height509m (1,670ft)

Prominence140m (459ft)

RegionWestern Fells

Climbed1 Time

"Following the general pattern of the Loweswater Fells, Hen Comb rises as a long ridge from the valley to a round summit set well back. It is a grassy fell, almost entirely, with a rocky knuckle, Little Dodd, midway on the ridge." — A. Wainwright

Hen Comb forms a linear, grassy ridge rising from the Loweswater valley pastures and extending southwards into the quiet western interior of the Lake District. Despite its modest height, reaching its slopes often presents a wet challenge as the fell is virtually ringed by boggy ground, flanked to the east by the marshy trench of Mosedale.

Mosedale separates Hen Comb from the parallel ridge of Mellbreak, wrapping around the head of the fell where its source waters drain from Floutern Tarn beneath the high slopes of Gavel Fell.

A surprisingly good view from the summit

The rounded, grassy summit is marked by a simple stone cairn. Situated centrally amongst the Loweswater Fells, the high point offers an unexpectedly rewarding vista, taking in the Buttermere valley backed by the towering Grasmoor range alongside clear perspectives across both arms of the Western Fells.

Trip Reports

The Loweswater Five08/05/2016

Return to Western Fells

Bleaklow

Bleaklow seen from Kinder Scout

Height: 633m (2,077ft)
Prominence: 128m (420ft)
Region: Peak District Dark Peak
Classifications: HuMP, Hewitt, Nuttall
Summit feature: Cairn
Times climbed: 3
Related trip reports:
Bleaklow via Wildboard Clough - 02/12/2017
A Bleaklow Crossing - 20/03/2016
Higher Shelf Stones & Bleaklow - 04/10/2015

The cairn closest to the true summit

The large cairn and stake at Bleaklow Head

Bleaklow is a high gritstone moorland, just north of Kinder Scout, in the Derbyshire High Peak. Much of it is nearly 2,000 feet (610 m) above sea level and the shallow bowl of Swains Greave on its eastern side is the source of the River Derwent.

Bleaklow Head, marked by a huge cairn of stones, is the high point at the western side of the moor and is crossed by the Pennine Way. It is one of three summits on this plateau above 2,000ft, the others being Bleaklow Stones, some 1.9 miles (3 km) to the east along an indefinite ridge, and Higher Shelf Stones, 0.9 miles (1.5 km) south of Bleaklow Head.

At 633 metres (2,077ft), Bleaklow is the second highest point in Derbyshire and the area includes the most easterly point in the British Isles over 2,000 feet, near Bleaklow Stones.

On 3 November 1948, USAF Boeing RB-29A Superfortress 44-61999, of the 16th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, 91st Reconnaissance Group, 311th Air Division, Strategic Air Command; crashed at Higher Shelf Stones, Bleaklow, whilst en route from Scampton to Burtonwood. All 13 crew members were killed. A large amount of wreckage is still visible, as a memorial to the crash.

The summit affords views across Manchester, Lancashire and Cheshire to the west and towards Holme Moss, Emley Moor and Yorkshire to the east.

Return to Peak District – Dark Peak

Stanage Edge

Stanage Edge on a crisp winter day

Height: 458m (1,503ft)

Prominence: 107m (351ft)

Region: Peak District Dark Peak

Classifications: HuMP

Summit feature: Trig pillar

Times climbed: 2

Related trip reports:

Stanage Edge & Burbage Rocks - 13/12/2014

Stanage Edge & Burbage Rocks - 10/11/2012

The trig pillar at High Neb

Stanage Edge (from "stone edge") is a gritstone escarpment in the Peak District. The northern part of the edge forms the border between the High Peak of Derbyshire and Sheffield in South Yorkshire.

A paved packhorse road ran along the top of the edge, and remains of it can be seen, as can remains of the Long Causeway Roman road which works its way over the edge on its route from Templeborough to Brough-on-Noe, crossing Hallam Moor and passing Stanedge Pole (note the slightly different spelling), an ancient waymarker on the route to Sheffield which has recently been refurbished.

Its highest point is High Neb, 458m above sea level.

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Win Hill

Win Hill from Lose Hill

Height: 462m (1,516ft)

Prominence: 144m (472ft)

Region: Peak District Dark Peak

Classifications: HuMP

Summit feature: Trig pillar

Times climbed: 1

Related trip report:

Rushup Edge, The Great Ridge & Win Hill - 03/07/2016

A trig pillar commands an excellent view

Win Hill lies north west of Bamford in the Peak District with a ridge running north west links it to Kinder Scout. The Roman road from Glossop over the Snake Pass crosses the ridge to the north and descends to Hope and the old Roman base of Brough in the Hope Valley, with the Hope Cross, a marker post dating from 1737, at the highest point of the road.

On top of Win Hill lies Win Hill Pike, locally known as the Pimple.

The hill's counterpart, Lose Hill, lies to the west. In relatively recent times, the two hills' names have prompted a fanciful tale concerning the outcome of an imagined battle. There is no historical basis for the tale whatsoever, and no evidence of any battle ever being fought here.

Win Hill was originally recorded as Wythinehull, meaning "Withy Hill" or "Willow Hill". Fragments of willow can still be found in the otherwise largely coniferous plantation on the approach from Yorkshire Bridge.

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